Milwaukee Roll Holder

In my quest to keep my workspace organized, I recently got my hands on Milwaukee’s Roll Holder, model number 48-22-8337. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the PACKOUT wall plates, this tool promises to keep your shop towels, tapes, and similar items within easy reach. I was particularly excited to see how this would fit into my existing PACKOUT setup, given the brand's reputation for high-quality storage solutions.

Upon unboxing, the Roll Holder felt lightweight yet sturdy, made from polypropylene. At 6.5 inches in length, 13 inches in height, and 4 inches in width, the holder is compact enough to fit into tight spaces while still offering a decent amount of storage. The design is straightforward, featuring a quick roll replacement latch that makes swapping out rolls a breeze. With a weight capacity of 15 lbs, it’s more than capable of handling the heaviest rolls of shop towels or tape.

First impressions matter, and the initial setup was quite simple. The Roll Holder securely mounts onto the PACKOUT wall plates, just as advertised. I appreciated the ease with which I could install it in my garage. The latch mechanism worked smoothly, allowing for quick roll replacements without any fuss.

However, the Roll Holder isn't without its flaws. One of the first issues I encountered was with the locking mechanism. While it attaches securely to the PACKOUT wall plates, it doesn't lock into the portable PACKOUT setups. This can be quite frustrating if you intend to use it on the go. Every time I tried to grab a towel, the holder would detach from the portable box, making it less practical for mobile use. The button placement is also somewhat problematic; it’s easy to accidentally press it while tearing off a towel, causing the end to drop and release the entire roll. A side-mounted button would have been a better design choice.

Another point of contention is the fit of the roll itself. Standard paper towel rolls fit very snugly, almost too tight, making it difficult to pull off towels smoothly. The tapered design at the bottom exacerbates this issue, preventing the roll from sliding on easily. For a product priced at around $32, this is a significant drawback. I expected a more refined design, especially considering Milwaukee’s reputation for quality.

Despite these issues, the Roll Holder does have its merits. It performs exceptionally well with blue shop towels, which are slightly smaller in diameter compared to standard paper towels. In my garage, the holder has proven to be quite useful. The semi-snug fit of the rod inside the towel roll ensures that the roll doesn’t spin wildly when you yank a towel off, which is a nice touch. The reload function is also user-friendly, allowing for quick and easy replacements.

For those who primarily use the wall plate system, the Roll Holder is a valuable addition. It keeps shop towels and tapes organized and easily accessible, reducing clutter on workbenches. The polypropylene construction feels durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear, although it does feel a bit flimsy at times.

The price point is another area where the Roll Holder falls short. At $32, it feels overpriced for what it offers. Comparable hooks, shelves, and bins in the PACKOUT line are generally priced under $20, making this seem like a less valuable purchase. While it does its job, the cost feels disproportionate to the functionality and build quality.

In terms of versatility, the Roll Holder is somewhat limited. While it excels in a stationary setup, its utility diminishes when used with portable PACKOUT configurations. This is a significant limitation for those who need a mobile organization solution. The lack of a locking mechanism for portable use is a glaring oversight that Milwaukee should address in future iterations.

On the bright side, the Roll Holder has proven to be a great addition to my workshop and laundry room. It keeps rolls of shop towels neatly in place, preventing them from getting lost or misplaced. For those who rely heavily on the PACKOUT wall plates, this tool is a convenient way to keep essential items within arm’s reach.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Roll Holder is a mixed bag. It excels in certain areas, particularly when used with the PACKOUT wall plates in a stationary setup. It’s durable, easy to install, and performs well with blue shop towels. However, its limitations become apparent when used with portable PACKOUT setups, and the tight fit for standard paper towel rolls can be frustrating. The price is also a sticking point, as it feels too high for the level of functionality and build quality offered.

Would I recommend the Roll Holder? If you’re looking for a stationary solution to keep your shop towels and tapes organized, and you don’t mind the price, then yes, it’s a worthwhile addition to your workspace. However, if you need a versatile, mobile solution or if you frequently use standard paper towels, you might want to look elsewhere or wait for a potential redesign that addresses these issues.